The network of quick responders, implemented since April 2017, gives the members of the UIC Security Platform the possibility to exchange fast information about arising security questions.

Since its start, the members have already used the network 12 times to ask their questions regarding:

Awareness of radicalised employees

Use of Air Drones

Attacks related to religious extremism

Attacks against maintenance staff

Anti-smoking policy at railway stations

Security of women in railway transport

Use of FFCCTV

Aggression against ticket inspectors

Mystery Customer

Use of AEDs

Use of body cameras

Security Organisation (under evaluation)

The last survey relates to the use of body cameras, which was carried out together with UITP. Next to the safety and security of our passenger, the health of our staff is essential. Unfortunately, in the past years physical and verbal aggressions against railway staff have increased. In addition to trainings and self-protection equipment, the use of body cameras could have a de-escalating effect or record video images for investigations.

33 companies participated and answered questions inter alia regarding use, different types of body cameras, the equipped staff, visibility, data transmission, the procedure to use a body camera in the case of third-party violence/aggression and data protection. According to member experience, the use of body cameras has a de-escalating effect and physical as well as verbal aggressions have decreased.

In the light of the strong demand by the responders, the UIC Security Division continued to work on the topic with interested responders in cooperation with UITP. As a first action, a webinar was organised on 13 December 2018 to present the survey results to over 35 participants. The expert Sander Flight gave a presentation regarding the understanding of bodycams on policing. In his presentations he stressed inter alia policy matters such as: What’s the goal? When should it work? Who wears body cameras? Or Who has access to the footage?

To deepen the exchange and to discuss various aspects, a one-day-event in spring 2019 is foreseen as a second action.